This report summarizes the activities and results of the Northwest Regional Advisory Committee (RAC), 1 of 10 RACs established under the Educational Technical Assistance Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C. § 9601 et seq.). The RACs were formed to identify the region’s most critical educational needs and develop recommendations for technical assistance to meet those needs. The technical assistance provided to state education agencies (SEAs) aims to build capacity for supporting local education agencies (LEAs or districts) and schools, especially low-performing districts and schools; improve educational outcomes for all students; close achievement gaps; and improve the quality of instruction. The report represents the work of the Northwest RAC, which includes Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

Committee members convened three times and reached out to their respective constituencies between July 19, 2016, and August 31, 2016. Members of the Northwest RAC represented a variety of stakeholders, including the business community, LEAs and SEAs, institutions of higher education, and practicing educators. The members collaborated, communicated, and shared resources using Communities360⁰, an interactive online platform hosted within the larger GRADS360⁰ system housed within the secure U.S. Department of Education environment. Table A provides a list of committee members and their affiliations. A superintendent in Oregon and a representative from Office of the Superintendent of Instruction in Washington State were invited to participate in the Northwest RAC but declined the invitation.